Summary of Grades

Minnesota earns an above-average grade in two of the four graded policy categories in Quality Counts.

In standards and accountability, the state scores slightly below average. Minnesota does well on indicators related to academic standards. But there is much room for improvement in the area of assessments, where the state has assessments aligned to its standards only in English and mathematics.

Minnesota again falls below average for its efforts to improve teacher quality. The state does not require aspiring teachers to have a major or minor in the subject to be taught to receive an initial teaching license. In addition, those entering the profession through alternative routes do not need to demonstrate subject-knowledge expertise through coursework or tests before entering the classroom.

The state performs well-above average in the area of school climate. Minnesota earns high marks for its efforts related to choice and autonomy. The state has a public school open-enrollment program and the strength of its charter school law earns the highest possible rating from the Center for Education Reform.

In resource equity, Minnesota fares considerably better than the average state. Its score on the wealth-neutrality measure indicates that poorer districts in the state tend to have higher per-pupil funding levels than do wealthier districts. Minnesota is one of only 10 states in which this pattern is found.